Boone County program offering free counseling amid COVID-19 outbreak
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Families and children up to 19 years of age can access free counseling to help with issues due to COVID-19.
The Family Access Center of Excellence of Boone County (FACE) announced it is partnering with the Boone County Children's Services Board and Boone County Community Services to provide up to six hours of free services.
According to a news release, the services are aimed at helping learn new coping, parenting, or stress management skills to better manage stressors due to COVID-19.
To access the mental health services, families and youth living in Boone County need to request a referral either by phone or online before completing a needs assessment. FACE will then connect the individual with services.
You can call FACE at 573-771-3223 or access services here.
Adielle Ehret, the director of FACE, said that changes in children due to stress from COVID-19 include excessive worry about family health, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, difficulty concentrating or excessive irritation and emotional outbursts.
“Increased stress and anxiety resulting from COVID-19 is normal and affects both children and adults,” said Ehret.
Mental health providers in Boone County can also participate in the program by enrolling here. The providers will receive referrals and direct payments from FACE for the free services.
The Boone County Children's Services Board is responsible for revenue from the Children's Services Fund sales tax and disbursing the funding.
